Global Mapper Mobile vs CartoLake
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Global Mapper Mobile
This application allows users to view and collect GIS data in the field using their mobile device's GPS. It supports various data layers and offers tools for drawing, tracking, and form-based data collection, with advanced features available through an in-app purchase.
- Vector, raster, and terrain data display
- GPS location display and feature creation
- Drawing, tracking, and form-based data collection
- Image capture and Picture Point creation
- Advanced GPS support for GNSS devices
- RTK correction via NTRIP client
- Offline data access and custom online sources
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Bring your GIS workflow to the field. Global Mapper Mobile® is a powerful iOS application for viewing and collecting GIS data. It utilizes the GPS capabilities of mobile devices to provide situational awareness and locational intelligence for remote mapping projects. A perfect complement to the desktop version of Global Mapper, the mobile app provides maps-in-hand functionality for engineers, surveyors, wildlife managers, foresters, and anyone whose job requires access to spatial data in remote locations. Global Mapper Mobile can display vector, raster, and elevation data layers that have been transferred from the desktop version of the software. It also provides tools for drawing, tracking, and form-based data collection using pre-configured attributes and picklists. Global Mapper Mobile Base Version (Free) The base version of Global Mapper Mobile is free of charge and provides an array of features and functions, including: • Vector, raster, and terrain data display • GPS location display • Point, line, and polygon feature creation using GPS location • Editing of existing vector features • Capture of images in the field • Creation of Picture Points from geotagged images • Attribute and feature notation recording for new or existing vector features • Online access to Open Street Map data Global Mapper Mobile Pro The Pro version of Global Mapper Mobile, available as an in-app purchase, supplements the functionality of the base version with an array of professional-grade tools, including: • Advanced GPS support for connection to high-accuracy GNSS devices from vendors such as Bad Elf, EOS, Juniper, and others • RTK correction via built-in NTRIP client • GPS Averaging • Terrain shader and water level display options • Custom online source options and online data saving for offline use • Simultaneous feature creation • Viewshed creation • Volume calculation • Data reprojection • Address searching • Geopackage and GeoPDF format support Global Mapper Mobile Pro is available as an in-app purchase. The license is based on an annual subscription from the date of purchase that can be renewed each year. Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Privacy Policy: https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/privacy-policy/ Terms of Use: https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/licensing-policy/
CartoLake
Create and georeference maps with various file formats. Supports imagery, scanned maps, and export options. Ideal for generating custom mapping content.
- Georeference imagery and scanned maps
- Import Shapefile, KML, mbtiles, GeoJSON, PNG
- Create simple maps
- Export maps to various formats
- Create ForeFlight Content Packs
- Publish georeferenced imagery
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CartoLake is a general purpose mapping for creating maps and georeferencing files. Features include: * GeoReference imagery and scanned maps * Importing and viewing various file formats: Shapefile, KML, mbtiles, GeoJSON and PNG Images * Creation of simple maps * Maps can be exported to various formats * Ability to create ForeFlight Content Packs * Publish Georef imagery End User License Agreement: https://www.cartolake.com/about/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: CartoLake at 5.0 against Global Mapper Mobile's 3.7. CartoLake also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). Global Mapper Mobile's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (15 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Global Mapper Mobile sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per year and CartoLake sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
CartoLake holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Global Mapper Mobile has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Global Mapper Mobile ships an update every 4 months, CartoLake weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Global Mapper Mobile | CartoLake |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (15 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 15 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.2 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 126 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Blue Marble Geographics | CartoLake, LLC |
Customer experience
Global Mapper Mobile
CartoLake
In-app purchases
Global Mapper Mobile
- Pro Module$49.991 Year
CartoLake
- FAA Sectionals7 Days trial$0.991 Month
- Basic Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Topographic Base Map7 Days trial$9.991 Month
Questions
Is Global Mapper Mobile free?
Is CartoLake free?
Which has better reviews, Global Mapper Mobile or CartoLake?
Do Global Mapper Mobile or CartoLake have ads?
Which is updated more often, Global Mapper Mobile or CartoLake?
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